Patton Boggs loses five more to rival Akin Gump

Patton Boggs continues to hemorrhage employees, as Akin Gump announced on Thursday that it picked up another five attorneys from the firm’s health policy practice.

{mosads}Caitlin McCormick, Eli Tomar, Heide Bajnrauh, Julie Black and Kendall Hussey will all work in Akin’s public law and policy practice and specialize in healthcare issues.

John Jonas, the former healthcare leader for Patton Boggs, moved over to Akin a week ago. His departure came as Patton Boggs finalized a merger with international law firm Squire Sanders, turning the K Street titan into Squire Patton Boggs.

Jonas initially brought six people from Patton’s health team with him, and the five others followed.

“These individuals, along with all the others we have been able to bring on board in the past few weeks, are all at the top of their respective fields and in areas that represent key strategic priorities for our firm and our clients,” Don Pongrace, the head of Akin Gump’s public law and policy practice, said in a statement.

“The combined health policy group, in particular, is a terrific addition to our capabilities in this important sector of the economy.”

Earlier this week, Akin Gump picked up four additional lobbyists from Patton, specializing in various fields including telecommunications and aviation policy.

Overall, more than two dozen attorneys have left Patton Boggs in recent weeks for other firms.